Cantrices is CGHS’ auditioned choir, made up of students from Years 9 to 13.

We rehearsed twice a week in the PAC, preparing for a wide variety of performances and competitions throughout the school year.

We’ve achieved a lot this year, receiving Best Overall Performance of a New Zealand Work and Outstanding Recital Performance by a Treble Voice Choir for “I Am Not Yours” by David Childs at the Big Sing Regional Competition in June. Shortly after, we were selected as one of the top 24 choirs nationwide for the Big Sing National Finale in late August, which was the first time that we have been selected since 2003. After months of hard work and dedication, our choir was awarded a Bronze Award, which was a fantastic achievement. It was such an honour to sing alongside such incredible choirs, and the experience will be one that we will never forget!

A huge part of our choir is not only the bond that we share for our love of music and singing, but the tight-knit bond between every single member. We kicked off the start of the choir year with an overnight camp at the school, which was a highlight, and enabled the 30 students to spend some quality time together and to get to know one another. Throughout the year, we all became even better friends after spending so much time with each other. I would say that our trip away to Dunedin for Nationals resulted in the transition from us being friends, to becoming family. I am certain that none of us will ever forget the fun and laughter we shared on that trip - whether the highlights of the week included staircase surfing, flash choirs, late-night card games or simply being able to perform at a national competition, it was undoubtedly a memorable few days.

So, to our choir family, thank you for the best year and for all of the effort you have put into Cantrices! I am so proud of us, and I can’t wait to see what great things you guys will accomplish in the future. 

Asta Hinton, Student Head of Cantrices